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Reflective Aluminium and Thermal Earth Pavilion for Landscape Engagement

Authors:
Hugo Taillardat, Clara Dupont
Reflective Aluminium and Thermal Earth Pavilion for Landscape Engagement
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Matte aluminium reflects light while thermal earth absorbs heat in a pavilion designed to engage visitors with the unique landscape of Reykjahlio, functioning as an exhibition space and gathering area.
5 key facts about this project
01
Matte aluminium sail minimizes heat absorption while reflecting natural light.
02
The pavilion is partially buried to utilize the earth's thermal inertia.
03
Concrete and raw earth provide warm colors that enhance sensory experiences.
04
Exhibition spaces mimic outdoor conditions to engage visitors with the landscape.
05
The design incorporates varying elevations to promote fluid movement through the site.

The design located in Reykjahlio integrates into a landscape marked by plant steppes, rocky formations, lakes, and thermal baths. Its purpose spans both exhibition and visitor engagement, aiming to establish a connection between the structure and its natural surroundings. The overall concept focuses on architecture as an extension of the landscape, inviting interaction with its vastness and unique climate.

Design Approach

The pavilion focuses on creating a strong relationship with the surrounding environment. By interpreting the various layers of the landscape, the project aims to provide a sensory experience that reflects the area’s characteristics. The design is shaped by the regional climatic conditions influenced by the Gulf Stream, enhancing the building's appropriateness to its location.

Material Use

Materials chosen for the project serve to address local climate challenges. One notable material is matte aluminium, which acts as a reflective surface, reducing heat absorption. In contrast, concrete, wood, and raw earth make up other parts of the structure, offering warmth and retaining thermal energy. This careful selection promotes functionality while enriching the experience of the exhibition spaces.

Spatial Design

The layout of the building incorporates different elevations to encourage movement and interaction with the landscape. Parts of the pavilion are placed lower in the ground to take advantage of the earth's thermal properties and create a connection with the natural terrain. Additionally, a small metal and glass structure runs parallel to the road, housing a café and exhibition room. This configuration allows for direct views of the landscape, enhancing visitor engagement with the environment.

Interior Spaces

Inside the pavilion, spaces are designed to be neutral in character. This simplicity promotes a calm atmosphere and complements the vibrant natural surroundings. Each area is crafted to provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the relationship between the architecture and the landscape. Design details emphasize practicality and clarity, contributing to an architecture that reflects its environment.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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